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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

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Midday in the squat, 2009

by Hannah Robinson

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2010 Finalist

I recently befriended a group of squatters who live in an abandoned building near my house. The building is mostly burnt out, full of asbestos and waste. Battling alcoholism, they carry stories of immense tragedy. Denis Clark, affectionately known as 'Pops', is sixty-five years old and has been living on the street for over forty years. Plagued with a private pain which spills to the surface regularly, this portrait captures Denis during one of those moments. As I was leaving from a visit I turned, looked back. The beautiful colours contrast with the harsh reality of the scene. He sits symbolically alone. I don't think I will ever be the same now I have known these people and their stories.

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2010

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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

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